Has your Lincroft dentist recommended root canal therapy to save your tooth recently? Millions of people have their decayed teeth treated and saved using this procedure, but a lot still fear it out of the misconception that it is very painful. Getting a root canal nowadays is just as comfortable as getting a tooth filled, especially with advances in anesthetics and sedation dentistry. Much of the pain that you experience is most likely from the decayed tooth, and not from your upcoming root canal.
Root canals are performed by your dentist when the nerve of your tooth or the pulp inside it becomes infected. Other instances where a root canal is necessary include:

  • Severe toothaches or pain while chewing
  • Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Swelling and tenderness in gums around a decayed tooth

The procedure is fairly straightforward and can be finished in just a single visit. First, your dentist will numb your tooth with anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will create a small opening in your tooth in order to remove the infected pulp inside. Next, the entire area is carefully disinfected before it is filled with a rubber-like filling called gutta-percha. Finally, the treated tooth is capped with a crown or with dental filling in order to restore its shape and strength.
If left untreated, a severely decayed tooth may have to be pulled out. Dealing with missing teeth brings along a host of dental problems and is more expensive to replace compared to having it saved with a root canal.
Learn more about Root Canal procedure by speaking with your Lincroft dentist today. Get in touch with Dr. Mitchel Friedman by calling Newman Springs Dental Care at 732-352-3903.